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Access Statement

The Orchard Retreat access statement – The Orchard Retreat is located in rural Mid Devon, 5 miles North East of Crediton. We provide two cottages: Apple Tree Cottage and The Cider Barn and tented accommodation in three hand crafted yurts: Bramley, Pippin and Russet.

Pre-Arrival

Car is the recommended method of transport – please see detailed travel directions on our website.

Crediton Cars is our local taxi service and can be contacted on 01363 777714.

The nearest railway station is located 5 miles away in Crediton. Exeter St Davids is the nearest mainline railway station located 8.5 miles away.

The nearest bus stop is located in the centre of Cheriton Fitzpaine, approx. 20 minute walk. Route 678 runs to Exeter bus station and departs at 09.50 every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

If travelling from further afield our two nearest airports are Exeter (16 miles) and Bristol (67 miles).

If you would like to discuss travel options in more detail, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

Arrival and Car Parking

The Orchard Retreat is located 1 mile off the A3072 – just outside of Cheriton Fitzpaine (Grid Reference SS 87814 05325). Drive slowly through the main gate and follow a 40m sloped tarmac driveway past the thatched Farmhouse. Car parking is located in the main courtyard.

Once parked please meet us at the Farmhouse door using four 15cm high steps, or we will welcome you at your car if this is easier for you. We will then show you around your accommodation and answer any questions you may have. We are also more than happy to provide assistance with luggage etc. if required.

If arriving in the dark, our car parking area is lit by security lighting.

Cottages

The Cider Barn

Set within the main courtyard there is a 13m sloped tarmac pathway leading up to an 80cm entrance door.

The ground floor living space is open plan with 77cm doorways and no steps. There is a fully equipped kitchen with 92cm high units and an 80cm door leading out into an enclosed garden area. The garden area comprises a mainly flat gravel surface.

The ground floor has oak flooring throughout and leads to two double bedrooms with standard sized double beds. The en-suite bathroom has a 100cm by 70cm enclosed shower with a 40cm door and 10cm step up. The family bathroom has a 52cm high roll top bath.

Upstairs there is a large bedroom which is accessed via twelve 17cm, carpeted steps. The bedroom has a standard double and single bed, sofa and 84cm high sink. Caution must be taken in this room as there are sloped ceilings and low beams on either side of the room.

The Cider Barn is heated by a wood burning stove. Care should be taken once the fire is lit as the wood burner will get extremely hot. A fireguard is available on request.

The Cider Barn has a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms. There is a fire extinguisher and fire blanket next to oven in the kitchen area and first aid box under the sink.

There are full details of emergency procedures in the welcome manual, with contacts for all levels of medical intervention from Pharmacy, GP, minor injuries units through to A&E in Exeter 20 minutes away.

Apple Tree Cottage

Set within the main courtyard there is a 14m sloped tarmac pathway leading up to two 20cm high steps and an 92cm entrance door.

The left side of the cottage is accessed through a 97cm open doorway, which leads into an open plan living space with wooden floors. There is a fully equipped kitchen with 92cm high units

On the other side of the building you will find the family bathroom and two double bedrooms. These are accessed via one 20cm high step. The family bathroom has a 76cm doorway and 56cm high bath with overhead shower. Bedroom one is accessed via a 76cm doorway and has two standard sized single beds – which can easily be put together if required. Bedroom two has a 76cm doorway and a standard sized double bed. At the end of the hall is a 20cm step down to a 92cm stable door leading out to the garden.

The garden is accessed via one 10cm step down onto an 8m sloped path. The garden area is laid to grass and sloped.

Apple Tree Cottage has a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms. There is a fire extinguisher and fire blanket next to oven in the kitchen area and first aid box under the sink.

There are full details of emergency procedures in the welcome manual, with contacts for all levels of medical intervention from Pharmacy, GP, minor injuries units through to A&E in Exeter 20 minutes away.

Yurts

Set in a four acre apple orchard all yurts are accessed on foot. From the car parking area there is 36m of uneven grass leading to the Facilities Lodge. From the Facilities Lodge there are two routes into the orchard to access the yurts.

Route 1 – There is a 24m gentle grass slope down to a 2.5m long wooden bridge that is 73cm wide. Once over the bridge there is a 10m sloped path up into the orchard. Once in the orchard all yurts are accessed by following a sloped mown grass path (maximum distance of 68m). Caution should be taken as these paths can be slippery in wet conditions.

Route 2 – There is a 19m sloped woodchip path down to a 2.5m long wooden bridge that is 73cm wide. Once over the bridge there is a 13m steeply sloped woodchip path leading into the orchard. Once in the orchard all yurts are accessed by following a sloped mown grass path (maximum distance of 30m). Caution should be taken as these paths can be slippery in wet conditions.

Yurts are then accessed via three 20cm high steps and a 69cm wide wooden door.

The yurts are 18ft in diameter and once inside, the space is all on one flat, carpeted level, all with standing room. Each yurt has a standard sized double bed, a twin or double day bed/sofa, small living and kitchen area.

The yurts are heated by a wood burning stove. Care should be taken once the fire is lit as the wood burner will get extremely hot. A fire guard is available on request.

Each yurt has a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm. There is a fire extinguisher and fire blanket next to the side board in the kitchen area, along with a first aid kit.

There are full details of emergency procedures in the welcome manual, contacts for all levels of medical intervention from pharmacy, GP, minor injuries units through to A&E in Exeter just 20 minutes away.

The Hidden Tubhouse

Set near the facilities block and before the wooden bridge shown above in route 2, is The Hidden Tubhouse. This is an outdoor bathroom with two cast iron baths and a shower. The base is made from decking wood and care must be taken when it is wet, as the bathroom is open air. There is a 15cm step up to the decked area through a 66cm wooden door. There is a code locked system on the door for added safety.

Facilities Logde

Each yurt has its own private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen area. The Facilities Lodge is accessed using the paths and bridges described in Routes 1 & 2 above. Once at the Facilities Lodge there is 20cm step up onto a wooden decked area.

Each bathroom door is 83cm wide and leads into a bathroom with an 80cm wide shower door and 800cm by 800cm shower tray. The shared kitchen area is accessed via an 83cm wide door and 92cm high units.

The Gallery

Set within the main courtyard there is flat tarmac leading to one 20cm high step and a 100cm entrance door. This leads into an open plan space with wooden floors. The Laundry room can also be accessed from here via an 88cm door and 15cm step.

Laundry Room

Set within the main courtyard and part of The Gallery building there is flat tarmac leading to one 20cm high step and a 77cm entrance door. This leads into a hallway with two rooms. First room on the left is a loo, which is accessed via a 74cm door. The room directly ahead is the laundry room which is accessed via 76 cm door.

Shop

Set within the main courtyard and part of The Gallery building there is flat tarmac leading to one 20cm high step and a 90cm entrance door. This leads into an open plan space with wooden floors. The Gallery can also be accessed from here via a 70cm door and 10cm step.

Land

The Orchard Retreat is set within 15 acres of meadows, woodland, streams and orchard. Guests are free to share and enjoy this space, but need to be aware of the following:

Pizza Oven

The pizza oven is only to be used by prior arrangement. Once booked, we will provide instructions and equipment for safe use. A long 44cm high oak picnic table is provided for guests to use in this area.

Fire Pit

The communal fire pit is free for guests to use but please take great care when using the fire pit as it is an open fire and when lit it will be very hot. There are four 44cm high wooden benches provided around the fire pit for seating. Children should be supervised at all times around the fire pit. A bucket of water is available on request.

Hammock

There is a hammock attached to two apple trees in the orchard. Care should be taken when using this – please do not swing the hammock, this should be used for relaxation only and children should be supervised.

Meadow walks and nature trails

Please keep to the mown paths at all times and be aware that the ground is uneven and may be slippery in wet conditions.

Treehouse and play area

The treehouse is accessed via seven 30cm high steps, which could be slippery in wet conditions. Children should be supervised at all times in the treehouse and play area.

Pond

The nature pond is located at the top of the orchard and accessed via five 20cm steps and a spring latched gate. Inside the pond area there is a 3m wooden bridge that is 73cm wide bridge and lifebuoy. Guests should take extra care around water and are required to supervise children at all times.

Streams

A stream runs through the land and can rise quickly when it rains. Guests should use the bridges provided to cross the stream and not enter the stream at any time. Children should also be supervised at all times.

Additional Information

All bedrooms have non-allergenic duvets and pillows

There is no or very limited mobile service – Orange/EE work occasionally. However, emergency calls can always be made using your mobile regardless of service.

We do not permit smoking within the Cottages, Yurts or on the wooden deck of the Facilities Lodge.

Walking sticks can be provided on request

If you require any further information in preparation for your stay at The Orchard Retreat, please don’t hesitate to contact us.